Sulfur Studios is pleased to host Tiara Unique Francois in the ON::View Residency at Sulfur Studios from June 7th - July 2nd, 2022.
About the Artist
Tiara Unique Francois is a painter born and raised in Dallas, Texas. She recently graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a BFA in Painting. Utilizing acrylics, paint markers, glitter shimmer, watercolor and ink, she is interested in old family photos stacked in the drawer, love letters folded in wallets and plants behind the kitchen sink. She has shown work in group exhibitions in Texas and California. She received Best in Show at Shockboxx Gallery (2020) and Juror’s Choice in the Black Voices juried exhibition at 500x Gallery (2020).
About the Project
Continuing her recent body of work focusing on black hair, Francois will create watercolor and ink paintings on paper – utilizing references taken from Savannah residents – of black girls with fluffy twisted ponytails, black women with braids and the products and tools used to create and maintain these styles. From Francois’ statement: “Black women and black girls have long lived with the stereotype of having attitudes, being rude or stuck up, being people who do not need protection. Painting Black women and girls in watercolor turns that idea on its head…providing a different way to view people who have been perceived before they can even speak.”
Artist Talk: Saturday, June 11th at 2:00 pm at Sulfur Studios. Following the talk, Francois will take photographs of willing participants to use as reference images for her paintings.
Tybee MLK Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom: On Sunday, June 19th, Francois will have a live painting booth and will give a casual artist talk at the Tybee MLK Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom.
Workshop: On Saturday, June 25th at 2:00 pm, Francois will host a watercolor workshop in which participants will paint portraits of each other and familiar hair tools. These drawings will become part of an evolving collage installation featuring images of black women in the ON::View Residency space. This workshop is free and open to the public. Supplies provided!
Open Studio Hours: Portrait Sessions: During Francois’ open studio hours (Saturdays, noon - 5:00 pm and Sunday, June 26th (noon - 5:00 pm)), Savannahians are invited to visit Tiara and sit for portraits to be used in her continuing series focusing on Black hair.
Project Finale: On Friday, July 1st from 5:00 - 9:00 pm, we will host the finale of Francois’ project with a Closing Reception in conjunction with First Fridays in Starland.
Follow @onviewresidency on Instagram to keep up with the project.
The ON::View Residency Program is presented with investment by the City of Savannah. Special thanks as well to our Residency Sponsors Green Truck Pub, Starlandia Supply, and Starland Yard.
